Read and listen.
Ask Amy!
Got any problems?
Write to Amy and she’ll help you out.
Hey Amy,
My parents are making me go on an exchange trip
to Spain for two weeks this summer. They’re really
enthusiastic about it, but I don’t want to go. OK, I study
Spanish at school, but I don’t actually like the language
much!
Another problem is that I usually do a summer job and
earn money in July. If I go away then, I won’t be able to
find a job when I get back.
I’m very fussy about what I eat, too. My parents
usually let me choose what I eat at home. I’ve never
tried it, but I’m sure I’ll hate Spanish food and they’ll
make me eat things I don’t like.
And I’ve never met José, the boy I’m going to stay
with. What if I don’t like him?
And last of all, I’ve just started going out with Emily
and she’s really cool. I’m worried that if I go away, she
won’t want to go out with me when I get back.
What should I do? Refuse to go?
Harry
Network 2 Unit 6 pp.60–61
© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE
Dear Harry,
You’re not alone! Teenagers often write to me with
their worries about foreign exchange visits, but there are
lots of really good reasons for going on an exchange
trip. I can understand that you may have problems
finding a summer job when you get back. I think you
should apply for a job before you go so that you have
work for when you return.
And you may not be very good at Spanish now, but
after a few days with your host family, you’ll find that
you really start to make progress. Then, when you go
back to school, you’ll have no trouble with your Spanish
homework!
Spanish food is delicious, believe me! And people in
Spain eat very well at home, so you shouldn’t worry
about the food at all.
You say that you’ve never met José. Well, maybe you
should start chatting to him online to find out what
you have in common. Spanish people are usually very
friendly and I expect José is no exception.
Lastly, I can understand that you’re worried about
going away just after meeting Emily. But it may be a
good test of your relationship to try a short period
apart. If she’s the right person, she’ll be there for you
when you get back. I think you’re really lucky to have
this opportunity. Don’t waste it by worrying! You should
go to Spain and have fun!
Best wishes,
Amy
Network 2 Unit 6 pp.60–61
© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE